Chapter 41: Clash of Intrigues: Unraveling the Hacker's Pursuit, 41.
"We're fucked", said Damián, with an expression of irritation and concern. He sighed deeply before continuing, telling Aster what he had discovered.
"That damn hacker is out there, looking for us. I found out that he's trying to track and pursue Clarice and Taylor. Apparently, he believes it's the two of us."
Aster looked at Damián with a serious expression, realizing the gravity of the situation. "How did you find out?"
Damián shook his head, frustrated. "I'm not exactly sure how he made that connection, but he went further, invaded Taylor's apartment, and is trying to establish contact. It seems he wants to return to Earth, and that's why Taylor is staying at the Kadman mansion!"
"He sent bouquets with blue and sparkling shimmering roses, and red and white packaging," Damián added, connecting the dots.
"The colors of the flag... He wants to send a signal?" Aster asked.
"Yes, and that's not all," Damián continued. "He wrote 'FBI,' 'CIA,' 'NASA,' and 'Area 51' on the notes accompanying the flowers. It seems he wants to establish contact."
Aster frowned. "So, he might have changed his appearance and believes we have too, to the point of resembling the people in the photos."
"Exactly," confirmed Damián. "That makes everything even more dangerous and complicated."
"So, what do we do now?" Aster asked, worried.
Damián's determination took over. "We'll find a way to locate him and put an end to him."
Aster nodded. "But how do we prove that we're us?"
"We'll have to try to contact him," Damián replied. "We'll find a way to send signals, something related to our world."
"For now, they must think he's crazy, it's insane to think that someone could believe in another world," pondered Aster.
"I know," said Damián. "But we have to try."
Imagine how shocked I was when I found out about the events. When I tried to talk to Adam about it, he thought I was scared. Plus, I felt like an idiot. "I had to pretend fear and concern, and even asked Adam if he knew what the FBI was."
Shit!!
"Did you meet the protagonist, how was it, Damián?" asked Aster curiously.
Damián paused for a moment, his face illuminated by an enigmatic glow. "Yes, I felt like bad news," he said with a slight smile. "It was an interesting contrast, a mix of disagreement and happiness."
Damián stopped, meditated for a few seconds, and said: there was a glow on her face, and... She seemed like an executive with a bossy attitude.
"What do you mean?" asked Aster, intrigued.
"Well," continued Damián, "she has this classic elegance, like an executive from a big company. Her demeanor is imposing, and it's hard not to notice her presence. However, there's something in her eyes, subtle hints of aggressiveness, but she doesn't show signs of self-defense. It's like she's surrounded by the protection of the Kadman family, ready to defend her in any situation, especially because Clarice has her own family support."
"I found it interesting when you described her as an 'executive with a bossy attitude'," observed Aster.
Damián smiled, agreeing. "Yes, because it's not a cliché for the protagonist to be someone without financial stability. Yet, she exudes a powerful aura, like someone in control, even though she doesn't possess the riches usually associated with a protagonist. This duality makes her fascinating."
"I believe it's this complexity that makes her a brilliant character," reflected Aster.
"Exactly," agreed Damián. "And despite her apparent firmness, she also reveals her vulnerability and humanity when necessary. It makes her more real and easy to identify with."
The night of Finley McDermott online pre-launch was about to begin, and the anxiety was palpable. Emeline, one of the main organizers of the virtual event, was busy adjusting the final details of the live stream. Aster was by her side, ensuring that the promotion was in line with the planned schedule.
Meanwhile, Damián was sitting next to Finley, discussing the broadcasts and conveying all the necessary support and confidence for the event. Finley's agent was also present, monitoring the chat and interacting with the viewers on behalf of the artist.
In the chat room of the livestream, some members of the recording team who had worked on the project were also present, celebrating the success of the pre-launch.
"Congratulations to everyone for the exceptional work on this livestream. Finley's paintings came to life on the screen, and I am very pleased with the result," said Emeline, with a satisfied smile.
Aster nodded. "The publicity and marketing also yielded great results. We have an engaged and enthusiastic audience for Finley's art."
Damián thanked the recording team for their professionalism. "You were instrumental in capturing the essence of Finley's art in the livestream. Thank you for the excellent work."
Damián's personal growth, especially regarding his identity as an omega, was a complex and challenging journey. The days flew by, and in two days, he would be formally introduced to the friends and members of the Kadman family. Events unfolded and fell into place, bringing forth conflicting thoughts and emotions.
Damián felt a bit nervous, and his thoughts reacted intensely to this imminent gathering. He knew that the Kadman family was not hostile and treated him as an "angel," but memories of his past life and the sacrifices he made to earn his recognition still haunted him, despite his current success.
At 48 years old, this would be the first time he would be formally introduced as a member of a new family. He wondered if it would be appropriate to bring a gift, but considering Adam's parents' wealth and his own position as a young, wealthy partner in an art gallery and film double, he thought it's best to refrain.
Staying away from controversial topics was also part of making a good impression. Damián was determined to be diplomatic and maintain composure in any situation. Avoiding excessive alcohol was also in his plans, as he had already decided not to drink in excess.
As for sex, he pondered. If he was staying at his partner's family home, common sense dictated that he should behave appropriately. He knew that engaging in scandalous sexual relations would not be well-received in a family setting. Therefore, he made a definite decision: he wouldn't refrain from any inappropriate behavior and not opt for discretion.
Aster and Damián went shopping at the Markarian Mall, considered the most luxurious ABO mall in the world. With over 1800 stores and 250 restaurants and coffees offering sophisticated fashion, it was truly a paradise for consumers.
The mall was impressive and offered a unique experience, like a true amusement park. Since its inauguration, the project had attracted millions of visitors each year, thanks to the new concept of luxury developed by the impressive creators, Callum Campbell and Adam Kadman.
Damián was immersed in his thoughts of discovery as he walked through the bustling Markarian mall. He remembered New York, a city filled with exceptional talent and skills. If someone excelled as an executive in New York, there would undoubtedly be thousands equally capable and ready to compete in the cutthroat corporate world.
Moreover, if someone considered themselves exceptionally beautiful in any part of New York, they would just be one among many with an impressive appearance. The city was a true haven for fashion and style, teeming with individuals exhibiting stunning elegance on every corner.
And if someone proclaimed themselves a multimillionaire in New York, they should be aware that the city was home to various tycoons, investors, and high-level entrepreneurs, all vying for the top spots on the wealth lists.
"Although New York was a spectacular and vibrant city, Damián soon realized that it could not compare to the dazzling ABO world of Markarian. In Markarian, alphas and omegas were true standouts in terms of physical attributes, displaying breathtaking muscularity, physical structure, and beauty close to perfection. Each alpha exuded an imposing and powerful presence, while omegas were delicate and beautiful in a unique and incomparable way.
With almost triple the population of New York, Markarian was a metropolis on a colossal scale, teeming with a stunning diversity of individuals and unparalleled cultural wealth. It was not only home to numerous billionaires but also hosted a profusion of magnificent luxury properties, emerging in different areas of the city and creating a landscape that surpassed imagination.
In Markarian, every corner, every majestic building, every picturesque alley exuded an atmosphere of grandeur and sophistication. The city had a unique energy, fueled by the unparalleled ambition of its inhabitants to excel, standing out not only for their individual achievements but also for their contributions to the collective well-being.
Although New York was a global powerhouse, in comparison to Markarian, it seemed to resemble an ordinary city. The magnificence and splendor of Markarian transcended all expectations, making it a truly exceptional city in every sense.
The friends arrived at an exclusive fashion village; there were sections of stores grouped into high-fashion sections, featuring the most famous brands. It was a glamorous extension.
So the friends came across a very elegant store—on the store sign, only the words "Omega Fascination" with illuminated letters in luminous tones.
Aster asked in a low voice, "Where is Damián going? Are we going in there?"
Damián looked affirmatively at his friend. "Yes."
The store was highly exclusive and focused on erotic luxury. All collections were made in partnership with renowned international designers.
Aster looked closely at Damián, who was looking at the lingerie.
As Damián was looking for regular underwear.
Approaching, Aster asked his friend in a low and gentle voice, "Are you going to buy here? Are you okay?"
Damián looked at Aster and replied with a soulless smile, "I'm going to buy, and you should too. Changing the subject, he asked, I want decent underwear, the comfortable kind."
Damián was doing his best while looking for large and comfortable underwear when a salesperson approached with a small and not very innocent lingerie in their hands. He immediately rejected it.
Looking at Aster, who was carefully looking at some delicate pieces, he only commented, "Are you going to buy? Aster felt a headache. Not only am I looking, but..."
The two friends attracted a lot of attention. Aster wore a classic navy blue vest with an elegant white shirt with blue stripes, paired with navy blue linen pants with elastic at the back.
Damián wore brown jogger sweatpants and a chic shirt made of off-white crepe fabric with elegant golden mother-of-pearl buttons.
The long cardigan he wore covered his shoulders and had a wide cuff, V-neck, and was very stylish.
They looked like famous people. People looked at the two of them and wondered where they had seen them before, to see if they recognized them. Others were just amazed by their exuberant beauty as they walked through the mall.
Weekly Power Status
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